The molecular regulation of Hox genes during animal development

Dr Alonso is a molecular biologist interested in how the process of animal development is molecularly controlled. More specifically, he studies the regulation of the Hox genes, a family of genes required for the correct head-to-tail patterning of animal bodies. His recent work indicates that RNA regulatory processes are important for Hox expression and function during the formation of the central nervous system (CNS) in Drosophila. He will be pursuing studies to understand more about the molecular mechanisms of Hox RNA regulation and investigate how these might contribute to Hox gene function within the developing CNS.